Last review: 04/15/2008

Parking changes at the General Administration garage

The General Administration Parking Garage is located at the intersection of Columbia Street and 11th Avenue in Olympia. The two-story concrete structure was built in 1957. It features 77 visitor parking stalls on the upper level.

For safety reasons, SUVs, vans and pick-up trucks may not be parked on the upper level of the garage beginning November 8, 2007.  Only mid-size vehicles, such as a Toyota Camry, and compact cars, like the Ford Focus, may be parked there.

A plastic bar will be installed at a height of 6’6” at the entry to the upper parking level to prevent larger vehicles from entering.

Violators will be subject to a ticket that could result in a fine.

Where can I park my larger vehicle?

General Administration is making available 35 visitor parking stalls on the west side of the General Administration Building, about 400 feet west of the parking garage, for use by SUVs, vans and trucks. Follow the signs to find this parking area.

Larger vehicles can also be parked along the north diagonal on the Capitol Campus, just off of Capitol Way, and at three 30-minute only parking stalls along Capitol Way, south of the North diagonal available. Motor homes and buses must be parked in the diagonal. Parking costs 50 cents per hour on weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but is free on evenings and weekends.

Why is the state making these changes?

The state hired an engineering consultant in 2006 to conduct a structural analysis of the garage. The consultant found damage to the concrete slabs that form the driving surface of upper parking level.

The damage is due in part to water leaking through the roof, penetrating the concrete and causing steel rebar embedded in the concrete to rust. The rusted steel has expanded causing small cracks and pieces of concrete to flake off.

Another reason for the damaged concrete is the garage was designed for use by vehicles weighing 5,000 pounds or less. Over the years, many vehicles weighing more than that have been parked on the upper level. This has stressed the concrete and caused cracks to form.

The engineering firm made the following recommendations:

  • All SUVs, trucks and mini-vans, which typically weigh more than 4,000 pounds, should be kept off the upper level of the garage.
  • Install a “headache bar” at the entrance to the ramp to limit the size of vehicle allowed on the garage.

Is the garage safe?

Yes. The engineering consultant confirmed that the parking garage is safe, but recommended the weight restriction to prevent future damage.

General Administration is following these recommendations for safety reasons and to preserve the garage. The agency is making some repairs to the structure, but the weight limit will remain in effect.

For more information about the GA Parking Garage
Darlena Heglund, (360) 902-7321, dheglun@ga.wa.gov.